Despite having a 5th-generation jet 'in name only,' Russia is pushing ahead for a 6th-generation plane

A prototype of Russia's fifth-generation jet, the PAK FA.Wikipedia CommonsIn spite of criticisms and concerns that Russia's fifth-generation is actually fifth-generation "in name only," the Kremlin is pushing ahead with plans for its sixth-generation jet.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Wednesday that Sukhoi has delivered plans for its new sixth-generation fighter, TASS News reports.

"I'm referring also to new design concepts briefly presented by the Sukhoi design bureau and by the general designer appointed for all aircraft systems and armaments," Rogozin told reporters, according to TASS.

"They have really come up with the designs for the creation of the sixth-generation fighter."

And, as TASS reports, Commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces Viktor Bondarev told reporters on Wednesday that the potential sixth-generation jet will be produced in both manned and unmanned versions. Meaning, essentially, that the new jet will be planned to be able to function in some conditions as a drone aircraft.

However, beyond that hint, the Kremlin delivered few other details about its new potential jet. The plans for the new jet comes as Russia is continuing to test its fifth-generation PAK FA fighter. Although, as the National Interest notes, it is not uncommon for militaries to begin testing and designing the next generation of aircraft decades in advance.

Currently, Russia's PAK FA is expected to enter into service sometime in the next six years. However, the aircraft has been called fifth-generation "in name only" due to a host of complaints affecting the aircraft's radar cross signature, its avionics, and its engines.